32 Pomeranians seized from Vernon-area breeder - Action News
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British Columbia

32 Pomeranians seized from Vernon-area breeder

The B.C. SPCA has seized 32 dogs, including newborn puppies, from a breeder in the Vernon area.

B.C. SPCA investigator says dogs and puppies found in garage with feces and urine, no bedding

32 Pomeranians seized from Vernon-area breeder

6 hours ago
Duration 1:39
B.C. SPCA investigator says dogs and puppies found in garage with feces and urine, no bedding

Two Pomeranian puppies have died of canine parvovirusfollowingthe surrender and subsequent seizure of 32 dogs from a Vernon-area breeder.

The B.C.SPCAsays it was called following a report from a buyer that a puppy had died of the virus soon after purchase. Commonly known as "parvo,"the virus is highly contagious and often affects younger, unvaccinated animals.

The exposure resulted in a visit and a warning from the SPCA, but when investigators returned, the animal welfare agency saidlittle had been done to improve conditions.

According to Eileen Drever, the B.C.SPCA's senior officer of protection and stakeholder relations, the breeder surrendered four puppies with the parvovirus. Two of those dogs died, said Drever,and the SPCAgot a warrant to search the property.

"They were housed in the garage in pens. Food and water dishes were contaminated. There was feces and urine. There's no bedding, no stimulation."

Investigation ongoing

Parvovirus is shed in the feces of infected dogs. Signs include decreased appetite and vomiting, progressing todiarrhea, which is often bloody.

Driver says "parvo"is highly contagious, and there is no guarantee that the animals will be able to recover.

A person in a full contamination white suit looks at two cages containing small fluffy dogs in a vehicle.
Some of the Pomeranians arrive at the SPCA facility. (Submitted by BC SPCA)

"Their life matters and we have to give them all they need, and hopefully, they'll getthrough this deadly virus."

She says the investigation is ongoing, but the SPCA plans to pursue charges if the evidence merits it.

"This is really heartbreaking. They rely on us to provide for them, and the puppies were dying a slow, painful death in the care of this individual."

None of the animals are up for adoption at this point.